April 3, 2018 · Volume 17, Issue 7 |
A twice monthly newsletter with information about workplace safety and health. |
List of Authorized Outreach Trainers Now Available Online
OSHA’s website now has a searchable list of authorized Outreach trainers to assist the public in finding authorized instructors for the 10- and 30-hour Outreach classes. The list provides trainer names and contact information, and indicates which course the trainer is authorized to teach (construction, general industry, maritime, or disaster site worker classes). OSHA expects the list to grow as more Outreach trainers are added. If you are a trainer who is interested in having your information listed, contact your Authorizing Training Organization.
Kraft Heinz Foods Cited After Employee Injured by Machine at Ohio Facility
An employee of Kraft Heinz Foods Co., suffered a partial finger amputation while clearing a jammed machine. The Mason, Ohio, company was cited for failing to: implement energy control procedures to prevent equipment from starting unintentionally; install machine guards and energy isolation devices; and train workers on the use of energy control procedures. OSHA proposed penalties of $109,939. Read the news release for more information. Nebraska Egg Processing Facility Cited After Employee Fatally Injured
Michael Foods Inc., an egg processing facility based in Wakefield, Neb., was cited for multiple safety violations after an employee was fatally struck by a dock leveler. Investigators found that the company failed to: properly brace equipment during servicing and maintenance; develop effective training and procedures for lockout/tagout; and review the company’s lockout/tagout safety procedures. OSHA proposed penalties of $188,464. For details, read the news release. New York Dairy Producer Cited for Failing to Correct Hazards
OSHA initiated an inspection of Summit Milk Products LLC, after the company failed to correct hazards that were identified during a previous inspection when workers were seriously burned from heated milk. The Waterloo, N.Y., dairy producer was cited for failing to record injuries, and provide workers with adequate personal protective equipment. OSHA proposed penalties of $143,954. Read the news release for more information. Florida Roofing Company Cited After Employee Suffers Fatal Heat-Related Injury
OSHA investigated Southeastern Subcontractors Inc., after an employee died from hyperthermia while working at a residential site in Jacksonville, Fla. The company was cited for exposing employees to heat-related injuries, and failing to report a workplace fatality to OSHA within eight hours. OSHA proposed penalties of $22,173. For more information, read the news release. Colorado Concrete Company Cited after Trench Collapse Injury
OSHA cited Langston Concrete Inc., in Colorado Springs, for failing to protect its workers from trench collapse hazards. Four employees were working in an unprotected trench when it collapsed, burying one worker, who suffered a broken hip and femur. OSHA proposed penalties of $90,535. For more information, see the new release. Oregon Fines Seafood Processor for Safety and Health Violations
Oregon OSHA issued $45,064 in penalties and 11 citations to Pacific Coast Seafood in Warrenton for exposing workers to fall and electrical contact hazards. Inspectors determined that the company failed to: put a cover plate on a live 110-volt switch; guard rotating fan blades and other moving mechanical parts; lock out machines during servicing; and exposed workers to fall hazards. Michigan Cites Roofing Company for Fall Protection Violations
Michigan OSHA issued three citations and $147,000 in penalties to RSB Construction Services LLC, in Goodrich, for failing to train workers on fall hazards, and provide required guardrail, safety net, or personal fall arrest systems for workers on a pitched metal roof.
JetBlue Ordered to Reinstate and Pay Back Wages and Damages to Flight Attendant OSHA has ordered JetBlue Corp. to reinstate and compensate a flight attendant who was fired for raising safety concerns about a flight. After a passenger aboard the plane remarked about a perceived safety violation, the attendant exited the plane onto the jetway to contact a supervisor for guidance on addressing the safety concern. JetBlue fired the attendant in part, for stepping off the plane, and making the call from the jetway. OSHA concluded that the attendant’s protected whistleblower activity was a contributing factor in the termination. The order requires JetBlue Corporation to clear the affected personnel file and pay $143,783.66 in back pay, compensatory damages, and attorneys’ fees, and post a notice informing all employees of their whistleblower protections. For details, read the news release.
Two National Campaigns in April Seek to Protect Workers from Vehicle-Related Injuries and Fatalities Vehicle collisions are the number-one cause of work-related fatalities. Two public outreach campaigns are taking place this month to help keep employees safe while working on the road or roadside. The National Safety Council (NSC) designates April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. NSC is offering a free webinar, “Engaging Ways to Address Distracted Driving at Work,” on April 19, 2018. The NSC’s free Safe Driving Kit can also be ordered online.
The annual National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 9-13, features events across the country to bring attention to these hazards and encourage safe driving around work zones. The Georgia Struck-By Alliance, which includes OSHA, will hold stand-downs at highway construction locations throughout Georgia during the week to train workers on the dangers of distracted driving and flying debris. More than 140 workers were fatally injured in crashes at roadway worksites in 2016. OSHA and the National Grain and Feed Association Hold Grain Engulfment Prevention Campaign April 9-13
OSHA and its Alliance partner, the National Grain and Feed Association, in cooperation with the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, and the American Feed Industry Association, will hold the second annual “Stand-Up for Grain Engulfment Prevention Week,” April 9-13, 2018. Topics include grain bin entry, mechanical hazards, and grain engulfment. A free webinar on April 10 will emphasize ways to reduce injuries and prevent fatalities from engulfment, and toolbox talks on lockout/tagout, fall prevention, and grain handling. Industry employers and workers are encouraged to host or participate in local stand-up events. Visit the campaign website for more information and registration details.
OSHA Consultants in the U.S. Virgin Islands Keep Workers Healthy and Safe During Hurricane Recovery
Following the devastation inflicted on the U.S. Virgin Islands by Hurricanes Irma and Maria last September, the territory’s On-Site Consultation Program, Safety in Paradise (SIP), could not perform normal consultation services for months. SIP consultants went to affected worksites and spoke with employers and their employees, provided safety and health assistance, and helped identify and address hazards. During the recovery period, consultants assisted more than 50 businesses, reached more than 600 employees, and removed approximately 150 employees from hazardous situations. Visit OSHA’s website for more information. Virginia Ship Repair Facility Receives Star Recognition for Excellence in Workplace Safety
BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair facility in Virginia earned OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs’ (VPP) Star designation for exemplary commitment to workplace safety and health. VPP recognizes employers and workers who have implemented effective safety and health programs, and maintain injury and illness rates at or below national averages for their respective industries. The facility’s injury and illness rate was 60 percent below the national average, and its rate of incidents resulting in lost work days was 56 percent below the industry average. For more information, read the news release. OSHA Establishes Partnerships to Ensure Worker Safety at Construction Sites in Texas
OSHA's Strategic Partnership Program provides opportunities for OSHA to partner with employers, workers, professional or trade associations, labor organizations, and other interested stakeholders. Strategic Partnerships are designed to eliminate serious hazards and enhance workplace safety and health practices in major corporations, government agencies, private sector industries, and at large construction projects.
OSHA Alliance Partners Commit to Improving Worker Safety and Health
The OSHA Alliance Program fosters collaborative relationships with groups committed to worker safety and health. Alliance partners help OSHA reach targeted audiences, such as employers and workers in high-hazard industries, and give them better access to workplace safety and health tools and information.
Safe + Sound Campaign: Spring Into Action with a Safety and Health Program
Start fresh this spring by using OSHA resources to make a clean sweep of hazards that can cause injuries and illnesses. Join a free webinar, “Three Core Elements of Effective Safety and Health Programs,” on April 25 to get ideas about showing management leadership, encouraging worker participation, and finding and fixing hazards in your workplace. Use our new fact sheet, Walk-Arounds for Safety Officers to guide your efforts to find and fix hazards. Visit our website for more information on safety and health programs.
American Chemistry Council Creates Guidance for Working with Isocyanates in the Automobile Industry Through its Alliance with OSHA, the American Chemistry Council developed an infographic that provides personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations for the automotive refinish market. The infographic provides general information on the importance of PPE during the refinishing process. High performance polyurethane coatings used in automotive refinishing applications, can present health hazards from skin contact or breathing in vapors, if appropriate PPE is not used during the painting process.
Dallas Area Office Recognized by Regional Hispanic Contractors Association OSHA’s Dallas Area Office received the 2017 John Kelly Safety Award from the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association (RHCA), for its work and collaboration with the RHCA to encourage contractors to develop safety and health programs to prevent worker injuries and illnesses. The Dallas office and the RHCA have been in an Alliance since 2014; which has resulted in the sharing of resources, collaborating during RHCA Safety Committees, OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety Courses, and the monitoring of Susan B. Harwood Grant program free construction safety training.
Washington Area Office Moves to New Location After 45 years in Bellevue, Wash., federal OSHA’s area office has moved to Seattle, and will now be known as the Washington Area Office. The office is at 300 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1260, Seattle, WA 98104. The phone number is 206-757-6677.
Employers Must Post 300A Injury/Illness Summary Until April 30
OSHA reminds employers of their obligation to post a copy of OSHA’s Form 300A, which summarizes job-related injuries and illnesses logged during 2017. Each year, between Feb. 1 and April 30, the summary must be displayed in a common area where notices to employees are usually posted. Businesses with 10 or fewer employees and those in certain low-hazard industries are exempt from OSHA recordkeeping and posting requirements. Visit OSHA's Recordkeeping Rule webpage for more information on recordkeeping requirements.
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